Tips to help with recovery from Covid

With the increasing spread of Omicron, it’s likely that many of us will be infected with Covid on Samui.  Here’s a few tips to support your recovery.   Please note: if you have Covid you should consult with a medical professional. 

IMPORTANT – If your symptoms of COVID-19 get worse and you: start feeling very unwell, breathing becomes difficult, your cough gets worse, you are showing signs of dehydration,  or you have had a fever or headache for a few days, you should go to the hospital.  You can also get support at the nearest public health clinic. 

Here are some numbers you can call:

  • Koh Samui Hospital: 077 913 200 ext 4649
  • Emergency & Accident:  1669
  • Foreigner Center at Koh Samui Hospital: 077 420 856

Isolation

In Thailand, it is recommended that you isolate for 10 days when you have Covid.  Day 0 of the isolation period is when you first show symptoms or the day you took your first test.

If you are isolating at home on your own and need some help, you can reach out to Sisters on Samui – and we’ll get one of our volunteers to support you with shopping and essentials.   Call or Whatsapp Tammy on 092 737 9705 or Nat K on 095 429 8209.

 

COVID Testing

You can get rapid Antigen Test Kits (ATK) from your local pharmacy.  It’s a good idea to keep a few of these at home.

You can also get Covid tests done at Koh Samui Hospital, they are open every day from 9-11:30am and 1-2pm.  Cost for a PCR test is 2200 THB.  

For those who test positive on their PCR test, Koh Samui Hospital is currently offering the option of home isolation, or you can be admitted to the hospital.  

 

Rest and Recovery

Be sure to rest and stay hydrated.  Sleep is really important – so take some naps during the day too.  It’s recommended to check your temperature and oxygen levels daily, so for those who are going through home isolation it’s a good idea to have a Thermometer and Oximeter at home.

Some people will experience fatique after they have had Covid.  So don’t rush back into your busy schedule – and give your body time to fully recover.

 

Pharamacy Supplies – to aid recovery from Covid

Our online research has shown that these vitamins and pharmacy medicines may assist with your recovery from Covid:

  • Vitamins B, C, D
  • Zinc
  • Lozenges
  • Throat spray 
  • Andrografis (they call is Fah Talai Jone here in Thailand) – some people call this an “Indian Echinacia” and it helps to reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms
  • Paracetamol
  • Antihistamine 
  • Cough syrup
 
It’s also a good idea to keep some medical face masks and rapid Antigen Test Kits (ATK) in the house.   Along with hand sanitiser, soap or anti-bacterial hand wash, anti-bacterial wipes & anti-bacterial surface spray.  
 

Please note, everyone’s symptoms are unique.  Be sure to consult with a medical professional for the best advice.   If your symptoms get worse, or you have trouble breathing, you should go to Koh Samui Hospital.   You can call Emergency on 1669.

Pharmacies are easily found in Koh Samui.  However, if you’re not sure where your nearest pharmacy is, you could always search for “Morya Pharmacy” or “Boots Pharmacy” on Google Maps.  They have many branches around the island. 

Home Delivery:  “Boots” and “Pure (Samui)” also offer delivery through the FoodPanda app.

 

 

Food Supplies

It’s normal to feel a little fatiqued after you’ve had Covid, so you may wish to order some food online.

  • Food Panda app for food deliveries – you’ll find lots of your favourite restaraunts delivering prepared meals, plus you can get groceries and pharmacy items delivered if you click on the “Shops” section.  You can also add a bank card to automatically take payment (very convenient). 
  • Convenience Stores – you can get items from stores like Family Mart, Big C, and Lotus delivered through the Food Panda app.  7-11 also provides deliveries through their app
  • Bangrak Minimart – they deliver if you live in the Bangrak neighbourhood.  Call 098 445 8084
  • Tops – https://www.tops.co.th/en
 
There’s also a few wonderful ladies on the island who do home-cooked food, including:
  • Moran from Octopus Coffee – her weekly offering changes, but often includes soups, dips, quiches and salads.  Call or Whatsapp 092 030 9057.
  • Homemade Quality Foods by H – February menu here includes quiches, pies, sides, salads and desserts + Vegetarian & Vegan options.  Call H on 087-922-8381 or email hjuliakeates@gmail.com
  • Fork-it by Lyn (and Tom) – daily hot dinner sets for pick up and delivery, plus their frozen meals available at O-Mart in Bangrak, Merchant Gourmet in Lamai, Food Mafia in Maenam and Mr Don in Plai Laem.  Call or Whatsapp 062 341 8004 or Facebook.

 

Isolating at Home Alone

If you are isolating at home on your own and need some help, you can reach out to Sisters on Samui – and we’ll get one of our volunteers to support you with shopping and essentials.   Call or Whatsapp Tammy on 092 737 9705 or Nat K on 095 429 8209.

 

Travelling Overseas After Covid

If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 30 days you may still be able to travel without taking a pre-departure PCR test, as long as you provide a medical certificate stating you have recovered from Covid.  You must check with your destination country and also the airline to be sure of their guidelines and requirements.   The PCR test can sometimes detect fragments of the virus even though you have recovered.

 

Additional Services Offered by Koh Samui Hospital

  1. 3500 baht includes: a medical certificate (for insurance) and a fit-to-fly certificate (for airlines)
  2. 5500 baht includes: medical certificate, fit-to-fly certificate, medical kit (thermometer and finger pulse oximeter) and 10 face masks
  3. 9000 baht for full medical service includes: medical certificate, fit-to-fly certificate, medical kit (thermometer and finger pulse oximeter), 10 face masks, telehealth, emergency ambulance services.
  4. 3500 baht for medicine includes: favipiravir, cough syrup, paracetamol, running nose medicine

For more information contact Koh Samui Hospital: 077 913 200 ext 4649.

Covid Vaccines

Koh Samui Hospital is still offering Covid vaccines and boosters.  We hear that the Covid Vaccine Clinic open Monday to Friday, but it’s best to call the hospital and ask what days and times the Covid Vaccine Clinic is open.

This is just a guide to assist with the recovery of Covid.  You should consult with a medical professional if you have Covid.   For Emergency services please call 1669.

 

If you are isolating at home alone and you need some help, you can reach out to Sisters on Samui – and we’ll get one of our volunteers to provide some support and help with shopping.   Call or Whatsapp Tammy on 092 737 9705 or Nat K on 095 429 8209.

 

NOTE: This information is subject to change, and is not medical professional advice.